Spine ,
n. [L. spina thorn, the spine; akin to spica a point: cf. OF. espine, F. épine. Cf. Spike, Spinet a musical instrument, Spinny.]- (Bot.) A sharp appendage to any of a plant; a thorn.
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- (Zool.) (a) A rigid and sharp projection upon any part of an animal. (b) One of the rigid and undivided fin rays of a fish.
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- (Anat.) The backbone, or spinal column, of an animal; -- so called from the projecting processes upon the vertebrae.
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- Anything resembling the spine or backbone; a ridge.
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